Dr Stella Owens is a social worker based in Tusla’s Office of the Chief Social Worker. Stella leads the Empowering Practitioners and Practice Initiative (EPPI) which aims to develop evidence-using and evidence-informed practitioners in Tusla by increasing the knowledge levels and confidence of staff, thereby improving the consistency and quality of practice across the Agency. She also leads the Practice Development and Improvement Project which centres on training, recruiting and retaining a skilled, competent, and quality social work and social care staff. It involves national coordination of student placements, practice teacher development and post-qualifying opportunities.